CLEVELAND – The City of Cleveland today announced that registration for expanded summer programming at its newly rebranded Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Centers (NRRCs) is now open. Following passage this week of key legislation, the City’s 22 NRRCs will offer expanded intergenerational programming to better serve Cleveland families. Registration is available in person or online at www.clevelandohio.gov/NRRCactivities. Some class sizes are limited and early registration is advised. All programs are free.

“The goal is to provide better intergenerational programming that expands the scope of opportunities for our residents, especially our youth and young adults,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “These enhanced programs strategically transition from traditionally sports-based to more holistic programming aimed at giving youth a stronger foundation for success later in life.”

Some of the new summer 2019 programs include:

ACT/SAT prep

Job & career readiness

STEM workshops

Performing arts with notable institutions such as Cleveland Playhouse, Karamu House and the Cleveland Public Theatre

Dance including ballet, jazz and hip-hop

GED prep

English as a Second Language classes

Boys and girls peer groups

In addition to the expanded summer 2019 programming, residents can access existing programs such as open swim, aquacise, Zumba, senior wellness, line dancing, arts and crafts, walking groups and more.

“You’ll see programs that demonstrate a greater focus on providing residents with access to resources to holistically better themselves and, as a result, improve their neighborhoods,” said Chief of Prevention, Intervention & Opportunity for Youth and Young Adults Tracy Martin-Thompson. “Whether that is by exposing youth to performing arts or teens to post-secondary education options or helping the formerly incarcerated with career counseling, this marks a big shift in the mission and function of our recreation centers.”

If someone is interested in a program not offered at their site, they are welcome to sign up for programs at other centers. Free transportation may be available. Contact your local center for more information or check out the program guide at www.clevelandohio.gov/NRRCactivities.

Trauma-Informed Care and Capital Improvements

Each NRRC is equipped with trained Trauma-Informed Care staff members and social workers who provide year-round center-based resources, programs and activities.

In addition, the City is completing an assessment of all recreation centers. This will include renovations at existing centers and construction of new facilities to replace aging infrastructure. The first new construction will be the John F. Kennedy Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center.

The changes are part of the Mayor’s strategic plan to address the root causes of violence and toxic stress by promoting wellness and resiliency, especially for young people. The city’s 2017 report titled, “A New Model for Addressing Youth Violence as a Public Health Issue” called for moving away from addressing youth violence merely as a safety issue to addressing it as a public health issue. The new Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Centers, along with the expanded 2019 programs align with the report’s goals. View an FAQ sheet on the changes at neighborhood centers.

Mayor Jackson's vision also encompasses other programs that improve youth and families’ quality of life such as the Safe Routes to School, Say Yes to Education, Youth Re-entry and Diversion programs, the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, the Opportunity Corridor project, Public Safety's Community Engagement Officers and more.

About the City of Cleveland

The City of Cleveland is committed to improving the quality of life of its residents by strengthening neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing diversity and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, play and do business. For more information on the City of Cleveland, visit online atwww.city.cleveland.oh.us, Twitter at @cityofcleveland or Facebook atwww.facebook.com/cityofcleveland.

We are committed to improving the quality of life in the City of Cleveland by strengthening our neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing the diversity of our citizens, and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, raise a family, shop, study, play and grow old.